Brazilian World Cup winner Rai has backed his compatriot Lucas Leiva to win over his critics at Liverpool FC.

Midfielder Lucas has been a regular for the Reds since 2007 but often finds his ability questioned by fans and the media.

However, Liverpool managers Rafa Benitez, Roy Hodgson and now Kenny Dalglish all have shown enough faith in the former Gremio man to give him regular starts, and 1994 World Cup captain Rai believes he will eventually convince others of his ability.

He said: "Lucas was so young when he first got into the Brazilian national team after making such a good start with his club (Gremio) and in my opinion, his ability is at a level that justifies him being in the group of the national team.

"He has the quality to play in Liverpool’s side. I don’t follow the Premier League extremely closely but I think he can change people’s opinion of him because he’s got the qualities to do it, in my opinion.

"Maybe the national team is the place to give him more confidence, and to then show it in Liverpool too."